| How Much Does Wedding Music Band Cost? |
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| | | Before you budget for a live band, you must first decide what style of music you like. WeddingGazette.com and TheKnot.com provide suggestions and advice to help you make that decision. Cover bands are the most common types of live bands hired for weddings since they often can play a range of familiar music. Other popular styles include jazz, swing, and big band. Karaoke bands, which allow wedding guests to control the microphone and sing along with the music, are also increasing in popularity. | | |
| Typical costs: | - The average cost for a 4-hour performance by a 5-member live band, which is the most typical size, is $2,085. A smaller band of 4 performers averages $1,150, while a bigger band consisting of anywhere from 6 to 10 members, averages $2,200.
- Costs for live band will also vary based on the date and time of the wedding, as well as the city or location. Larger, metropolitan areas will typically offer more bands and thus, a wider variety of prices.
- There may be additional fees for additional microphones or wireless microphones if you hire a karaoke band.
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| What should be included: | - Prices for live bands should include the musicians' actual playing time and all equipment necessary for the performance, including instruments, sheet music and music stands. In most cases, the band's leader can also emcee the reception, and provide a microphone and at least one loudspeaker.
- Most live bands require a 5 to 15 minute break between sets, typically once every hour.
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| Additional costs: | - Overtime fees are typically based on the band's per-hour charge, which can range from $450 - $750. However, some groups impose an overtime penalty, which is more than their hourly rate. Some also require that overtime fees be paid in cash on the date of the event. Many wedding planners advise booking a band for an additional hour ahead of time, to avoid any overtime costs.
- Special backdrops or stage lighting may be added to the total cost, but are often negotiable. A detailed price breakdown should always be included in your contract.
- Meals or drinks are typically not included, so if you choose to serve the band members, be sure to factor them into your head count or arrange for separate meals outside your catering budget.
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| Discounts: | - If your ceremony and reception are in different locations, BridalGuide.com suggests asking one member of the band that you hire for the reception to also perform at the ceremony. This may save you from incurring costs from separate musicians.
- Many live performers offer discounts for Sunday weddings. However, some do not book any Sunday performances.
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| Shopping for wedding music band: | - Many websites, such as PerfectWeddingGuide.com offer local resource guides for wedding entertainment.
- If you've gotten a recorded sample of the band performing, TheKnot.com advises finding out the specific singers and musicians on the recording. If you're interested in a group's 5-piece ensemble, it won't help to hear their full 12-member band.
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Article updated July 2007 |
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Recent Posts |
| Amount: $5,400.00 total |
Live Bands are expensive
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| Posted by: Justin in Ocean City, NJ. | Purchased: June, 2008 |
| Number of Hours: 4 hr. plus cocktail | Type: 10 Piece |
| We recently just booked a band for our July 2009 wedding. I just wanted to inform everyone that $2200 is well below the average for a 6-10 piece band. I would say the average wedding band charges approximately $800 per player on a Sat. night and that's average. We lucked out and got a great deal from Dynasty Entertainment. Obviously I haven't had the wedding yet, but I expect it to be great. Good luck! |
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